Professional surfers show youths the ins and outs of life on the waves

CORPUS CHRISTI - Madegan Browning, 10, stood up on her first wave of the day, triumphantly smiling with arms in the air.

As she walked back to Bob Hall Pier with professional surfer Pat O'Connell for her second heat, her anticipation and excitement only grew.

Surfing is just plain fun, and O'Connell was there to make sure Wednesday was no different.

As part of Hurley's "Rip My Shred Stick" contest, which came to Corpus Christi on a nationwide tour, professional surfers took turns taking kids 16 and under for a gnarly ride.

Former professional surfer and Hurley spokesperson Zach Hartley said the event and judging is geared toward introducing youths to surfing and was based on a "fun scale."

"We bring the pros out here to different communities all over the U.S.," Hartley said. "It doesn't matter if you're a total pro ... or never surfed before in your life. It's for everyone and it's not based on a competitive format."

Surfers who signed up for the contest, sponsored in conjunction by Benjamin's, received tips and personal lessons from pro surfers including O'Connell and Oliver Kurtz.

"I don't think most of them knew I was pro," Kurtz said.

After five years as a professional surfer sponsored by Hurley, the Vero Beach, Fla., native said he was stoked to see so many young kids surfing.

"I just hope they are as excited as I was about (surfing) when I was their age," he said.

As a blow horn wailed loudly announcing the start of a new heat, parents and their kids, some as young as 6 years old, were seen riding waves churned up by a light wind.

"It was kinda hard to come by good waves today," said 12-year-old Nathan Stolley, the winner of the contest. "All of it was wind swell."

Out of 35 youths, Stolley came out on top due to his surfing experience.

"I surf every contest I can," he said. "I'll always be surfing, always in the water."

Stolley said the highlight of his day was meeting and receiving tips from O'Connell.

"He gave me good advice on currents and waves," Stolley said. "It was so cool to meet him."

After turning pro, Kurtz said he was honored to travel and surf with someone as well-known in the surfing world as O'Connell.

"People would kill to get a picture with him," Kurtz said. "He's in that Kelly Slater era. They grew up together. He's one to look up to."